By Johnson Babalola
Watching Nigeria’s Iyabo Ojo’s powerful movie, _Not Again_, on YouTube, and recalling _Strain_, another impactful film on Netflix directed by Nigeria’s Uduak-Obong Patrick and produced by Benjamin Adeniran and Oluwatoyin Adewumi, stirred deep reflections on the issue of sickle cell anemia in our society. These movies highlight a key issue affecting many in ethnic groups prone to sickle cell anemia: a lack of preparation and awareness, leading to generations of children born into preventable suffering.
Sickle cell anemia, a genetic disorder, affects millions worldwide, especially in African, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Indian populations. For couples from these ethnic groups, it is crucial to undergo certain medical tests before having children to avoid the risk of passing on this debilitating disease. Among the key tests are:
* *Hemoglobin Electrophoresis:* A test that helps determine whether either or both partners carry the sickle cell trait.
* *Sickle Cell Test (Sickle Dex Test):* This test screens for the presence of hemoglobin S, the abnormal form of hemoglobin that leads to sickle cell disease.
* *Genetic Testing:* If both partners are carriers of the sickle cell trait, genetic testing can help determine the chances of passing on sickle cell anemia to their children.
These tests provide invaluable insights, allowing couples to make informed decisions about their future. However, many couples do not take these simple yet important steps before starting a family, often because of cultural attitudes, lack of education, or unawareness of the implications. This unpreparedness in planning for health and relationships is emblematic of a larger issue that affects many people, especially those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
In many communities, particularly in low-income settings, a significant number of individuals start life without any deliberate planning—be it in the areas of health, career, finances, relationships, or retirement. This can be attributed to the absence of mentorship, lack of access to quality education, and cultural norms that discourage long-term planning. As a result, these individuals stumble through life, facing unexpected challenges and often struggling with regret and hardship.
Many people who are successful in these areas, however, are those who have been deliberate from the early years. They actively seek mentors, pursue education, and arm themselves with information that helps them prepare for life’s challenges. They understand the importance of planning ahead and make conscious decisions about their future, from health choices to career aspirations, financial management, and personal relationships. By contrast, those who do not plan often find themselves trapped in cycles of poverty, poor health, and emotional struggles, a reality that could have been avoided with better preparation.
One of the most important decisions in life, which often goes unplanned, is the choice of a partner. Just as couples should get tested for sickle cell anemia compatibility to avoid future heartbreak, they must also carefully consider whether their values, goals, and life visions align before committing to a long-term relationship. Choosing the right partner requires deep introspection, thoughtful evaluation, and, at times, seeking external guidance from trusted mentors or counselors. A mismatch in values, lack of shared goals, or even incompatible personality traits can lead to long-term emotional distress, unhappiness, and the breakdown of a relationship.
The decision not to test for sickle cell anemia compatibility before marriage mirrors the same lack of preparation in other areas of life. When people fail to plan for major life events—whether it’s choosing a partner, choosing a career, managing finances, or safeguarding their health—they often end up facing serious consequences. This is why it’s crucial to be deliberate about life choices. Reject what you don’t want for your future and embrace what will help you succeed and live a peaceful, fulfilling life.
As an immigration lawyer in Canada, I’ve witnessed firsthand the toll that poor planning can take. I’ve seen people struggle with the physical and emotional burdens of living with sickle cell anemia, both in themselves and in their children. There is pain, fear, anxiety, uncertainty, and stress, often accompanied by deep regret over missed opportunities to prevent the disease. These struggles are not just physical; they also lead to emotional and financial stress that could have been avoided had there been proper awareness and foresight.
Most of the people I’ve encountered who carry this burden did not take the necessary precautions because they either didn’t know or didn’t take the issue seriously enough. Some chose love over caution, but many simply didn’t plan. It’s a tragic example of how a lack of preparation can have lifelong consequences, not just for the individual, but for their families and communities.
Ultimately, the lesson here is clear: *Planning is essential in all areas of life.* Whether it’s getting tested for sickle cell anemia before starting a family, choosing the right partner, planning your career, managing your finances, or thinking ahead about your health and retirement, being deliberate in your actions can spare you a world of regret and pain. Those who succeed in life are not simply lucky; they are often those who planned for it. They were intentional about their decisions, sought out guidance, and learned from the experiences of others.
If we want to build successful, healthy, and peaceful lives, we must reject the notion that things will simply work out without preparation. Life demands that we make thoughtful choices. We must be proactive, seek out information, embrace mentorship, and be willing to plan for our future. This is the path to success, health, and long-term fulfillment.
NB: Johnson Babalola, a Canada based lawyer, leadership consultant and corporate emcee, is a public affairs analyst.
